Not sure which Forum to ask this? I want to skirt the lower 30 inches of my fishing house with green steel pole barn siding. It is 16 by 12. I need to figure out how to cut the 12ft sheets into sections? Skill Saw with a composite cutting blade? Shears? buy a nippers? (18 cuts need to be made)? The yard will precut them but at a cost of $6.70 per cut.
You don’t want to cut any painted steel with anything abrasive because it will cause it to rust. Either cut with shear you can also cut with power shear. If cutting up and down the ribs a nibbler or a shear with a die is what you want to use.
If they cut nice clean cross cuts it might be worth it.
I’ve used steel on several outdoor shed and building projects.
I cut with a Diablo Steel Demon circular saw blade. I use the version that’s for sheet steel, I believe it’s a 70 tooth. It creates a very smooth cut and does not crack the paint next to the cut. You’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between this blade’s cut and that of a shear. The blade lasts a long time, I’ve done 2 projects and dozens of cuts, so it’ll last.
Before this method I used snips. Slow, cumbersome, and leaves razor-sharp jags.
I use a zero clearance circular saw guide so I get perfectly straight cuts and it’s easy to line up. Cut on the back side of the sheet so the guide lays flat and not up on the top of the ribs.
Wear ear and eye protection, the worst thing about this method is it’s VERY LOUD.
Easiest affordable way to cut steel IMO.
Grouse
I’ll tell you that no matter how careful you are with that steel over the winter those sheets are gonna be beat up and look like a krinkled beer can after the first season.
IMO I’d rather have something that is more durable and will look good for the life of the house. Menards sells a High Density Polyethylene 1/4x4x8 sheet in black and white for around $60/sheet. Cuts and drills with normal woodworking tools. Very difficult to damage, bend, break, and takes a very cold Temps before it becomes brittle.
I’d personally do that over tin sheets. They have their place permanently attached to a building, not as skirting packed into snow and ice.
Should be able to rent a panel shear.
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Lowes has been carrying a 7″ diamond circular saw blade for metal. It is in a white wrapper. Very nice for cutting tin. I don’t know the name and can’t come up with it on their website.
Munchy, great idea. I to was a little concerned on how the steel skirting would hold up and if it would show the abuse banking can cause. Think I’ll look further. Problem is I’d prefer red or green to go with the “Santa” image.
What about diamond plate? Doesn’t help with the Santa image but won’t get damaged like the ribbed steel.
Diamond plate is an option, it comes in rolls doesn’t it?
I’d love to try the new Milwaukee M18 metal circular saw.
I’ll tell you that no matter how careful you are with that steel over the winter those sheets are gonna be beat up and look like a krinkled beer can after the first season.
IMO I’d rather have something that is more durable and will look good for the life of the house. Menards sells a High Density Polyethylene 1/4x4x8 sheet in black and white for around $60/sheet. Cuts and drills with normal woodworking tools. Very difficult to damage, bend, break, and takes a very cold Temps before it becomes brittle.
I’d personally do that over tin sheets. They have their place permanently attached to a building, not as skirting packed into snow and ice.
No offense at all but polyethylene in my opinion is the last product you would want to use. It expands and contracts a lot! It’s also much heavier than steel sheeting. Yes it’s very easy to work with but not a good product in the end especially for hot – cold situation.
There is a reason everything that’s made of plastic for the winter has slotted holes. See the picture of a common ski slide on a snowmobile trailer.
Fyi- 29 gauge steal weighs between 0.60 – 0.65 lbs per square foot.
1/4″ Polyethylene weighs between 1.25 – 1.44 lbs per square foot.
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Joe, why did you attach snowmobile sled track’s ?
“There is a reason everything that’s made of plastic for the winter has slotted holes. See the picture of a common ski slide on a snowmobile trailer.”
I’d love to try the new Milwaukee M18 metal circular saw.
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I’ve used the corded version of that saw and it is a beast. Will cut through most any metal needed. However it is way overkill for cutting through tin siding. The 5inch blade version would be great however.
Also rereading the OP I will recind my recommendation of sheet HDPE. I was thinking you were using the skirting as a portable wind block leaned up against the house then shoveling snow against that.
Tin siding will work well attached to the bottom half of the house. Just make sure you overlap the edges so wind will travel over not through while going down the road.
I have cut many pieces of sheet metal, metal roofing and siding before using my circular saw with an old, dull wood blade installed backwards. It cuts right through the material and does not leave a burn mark and very little burr.
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